I Love a Good Challenge

Two of my favorite blogging ladies, Brooke & Meghan, recently launched healthy living challenges. I have signed up for both the ‘Beach Body Challenge‘ and the ‘So Fresh and So Clean Challenge‘ and let me tell you, I am excited! I love these challenges because…

They encourage me to live a healthy lifestyle. I have found that since starting the ‘So Fresh and So Clean’ challenge on April 1, I have made a conscious effort to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains into my meals and snacks. That isn’t to say that I don’t still enjoy my chocolate chip pumpkin bread or chips and queso, both of which I had this weekend, it is to say that I have found a balance. A balance that makes me feel better all around, and I am digging that.

They encourage me to make workouts more fun. Yesterday, Dan and I took Nola to my favorite park to hit the trails. It was the perfect way to spend the morning. The weather was beautiful and we had the entire trail to ourselves. We took Nola off her leash for the majority of our walk, and she loved it.

They encourage me to try new things. My mom is in the process of becoming a yoga instructor. Part of her training program is to lead a yoga class with her classmates. This afternoon, I will be taking her class. Yoga is not part of my usual workout routine, but I am excited to support her and to try something new.They encourage a supportive community. I spent my entire life playing sports and being part of a team. I love that through these challenges, I know that I am working toward my goal of living a healthy lifestyle alongside others that are doing the same.Reader Question: What is your best advice for living a balanced and healthy lifestyle?

Monday Motivation

When the alarm sounded at 6:00 this morning, my initial thoughts were anything but pleasant. In fact, if you were within 500 feet of me, or maybe even 5,000 feet of me, you might have heard my dramatic, “ughhhhhh.” Yet in that moment, I had a bit of an epiphany. I decided against the pessimism presenting itself and opted instead to be positive. To be grateful. That the first step towards anything, including out of bed, is often the hardest. And then, brace yourselves, I decided to get my butt out of bed and out the door.

Despite the rainy conditions, our running buddy didn’t complain. Although she did almost pull me down in the mud a couple times.

For breakfast was a peanut butter vanilla smoothie. After a weekend filled with cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese, a little Monday detox was definitely in order.

In fact, I think a healthier lifestyle might be in order-harder workouts, less sugar, more vegetables, and maybe even a little meditation mixed in.

Now it’s your turn! How do you stay healthy? What motivates you to work out and eat well? 3, 2, 1, Inspire!